Just sent in my info! This is the first time since I joined Craftster that all my 5 swap slots are full... I am now officially a swap addict!

I've already started making some of my houses - it is OK to make them in advance isn't it? I just figured I need the practice if my houses are going to measure up to all the mega-talented paper crafters in this swap!

It's so great to see some new participants! karin_, it's fine to make the houses in advance if you wish. They are all "artist choice". Everyone just needs to make sure that they follow the size guidelines posted on the front page.

Question for all the experienced chunky house makers: What do you normally start with as a base for decorating? Do I understand correctly that the house should be able to stand up on it's own? Or just that it can't be floppy? Is a base of say cereal-box cardboard ok to start with?

I'd like to get going on my shapes and then wait for partners so I can get some ideas for embellishments.

I use a sturdy watercolor paper, but then layer it with a couple of layers of extra paper on top. Some people use matboard. I think a cereal box would be fine. It does want to be sturdy enough to stand on its own without sagging. That doesn't mean that is has to be self supporting; it just has to stand when attached to other houses on each side.